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ExhibitI —Award Nominee Testimonies <br />Testimony from HOPE Services Hawaii <br />"It's an honor to share the story of a client, who entered our shelter in 2024. Before arriving, <br />she experienced a tragic and public moment that reflected the severity of her <br />circumstances. At intake, her chronic homelessness and deep mistrust made her path <br />forward uncertain. But through steady, compassionate and trauma -informed care, She <br />began to open up and express desires of one day being able to live independently and <br />reconnect with her family and children. We supported her in housing readiness - obtaining <br />vital documents, opening a bank account and securing SSI benefits. With the support of <br />Renee Rivera from He Ho'omaka Hou Ana O Puna, she engaged in peer support, <br />reestablished healthcare with a primary care provider, and has remained consistent with <br />monthly treatment. Overtime, She has grown more communicative, reconnected with her <br />mother nearby, and started rebuilding her sense of self and safety. <br />Though she has made tremendous progress, securing stable permanent housing remains a <br />challenge. We remain committed to walking this path with her. She is now connected to <br />continued specialized case management, and we are actively working to secure supportive <br />housing that will allow her to thrive long-term. Her journey —from a moment of crisis that <br />shook our community to a story of resilience and hope —is a powerful reminder of what's <br />possible when we show up with persistence, dignity, care and hope." <br />Res. 397-25 Homelessness and Housing Fund Yr4 December 17, 2025 <br />